National Park Trekkers

Zion Weather in March: What to Expect and What to Pack

Monthly averages are NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals. Check the NPS alerts page for road and trail closures before you go.

By I've been here · June 1985Facts checked against NPS.gov · Updated October 6, 2026

March in Zion66°F days, 39°F nights at Zion Canyon (4,038 ft), with about 2.0 inches of precipitation and 0.7 inches of snow. Wet and variable, with daily swings of 30°F or more. The shuttle typically returns to full-time service in early spring, and snowmelt can raise the Virgin River enough to close the Narrows.

Red canyon walls in the glow of sunrise
Sunrise over Zion in the fall.Photo: Millie Olsen / Unsplash

How elevation changes the weather in Zion

Estimated average high and low for each area in March, highest first. Air cools about 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet you climb, so the same day can feel like two different seasons.

  1. 7,890 ftLava Point53° / 26°
  2. 5,100 ftKolob Canyons62° / 35°
  3. 4,000 ftZion Canyon66° / 39°

Estimates based on the long-term average at Zion Canyon (4,038 ft). Check the live forecast for each area above before you go.

March compared with the months around it

MonthAvg highAvg lowPrecipitationSnowfall
February58°F34°F2.1 in0.8 in
March66°F39°F2.0 in0.7 in
April73°F44°F1.2 in0.0 in

March is 8°F warmer than February by day, and April warms another 7°F.

Weather hazards to plan for

  • Flash floods in the Narrows and slot canyons, mainly during the July-September monsoon; storms 15-20 miles upstream can send floods into clear-sky canyons.
  • Extreme summer heat in Zion Canyon, with highs often over 100°F in July and August.
  • Lightning from afternoon thunderstorms in July and August, especially on exposed ridges and viewpoints.
  • Ice on shaded trails and falling ice from cliffs in winter.
  • Cold, high water in the Narrows during spring snowmelt; the route closes when flow exceeds 150 cubic feet per second.

What to pack for Zion in March

Picked from Zion's average weather in March.

Sleeping bags rated 25–39°F

Nights average 39°F at Zion Canyon, and higher campgrounds run colder. A bag rated about 10°F below the low keeps you warm.

Shop at Coleman
Tents with a full rainfly

March averages 2.0 inches of rain here. A full-coverage rainfly keeps you and your gear dry.

Shop at ColemanRain jacket on Amazon
Camp stoves

With nights near 39°F, hot meals and drinks make mornings much easier. Stoves are usually allowed even when campfires are banned.

Shop at Coleman
Lanterns

Long, cold evenings come early in March. A rechargeable lantern lights camp without a fire.

Shop at ColemanWarm jacket on AmazonBase layers on Amazon

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Zion in March: questions

What is the weather like in Zion in March?

At Zion Canyon (4,038 ft), March averages 66°F by day and 39°F at night, with about 2.0 inches of precipitation. Wet and variable, with daily swings of 30°F or more. The shuttle typically returns to full-time service in early spring, and snowmelt can raise the Virgin River enough to close the Narrows.

How cold does Zion get at night in March?

Nights average 39°F at Zion Canyon. Up at Lava Point (7,890 ft) expect it about 13°F colder, near 26°F.

Does it snow in Zion in March?

Yes. Zion Canyon averages about 0.7 inches of snow in March, and higher areas get more.

How does March compare with February?

March averages 66°F by day, 8°F warmer than February, and April averages 73°F.

What should I wear in Zion in March?

Plan for layers you can add and remove: a fleece or light puffy for mornings and evenings. Check the forecast for each area you will visit a few days before you go.

Live forecast by areaThe 7-day National Weather Service forecast for each part of Zion, plus all 12 months side by side.Open the Zion weather guide

More for your Zion trip

Sources